There is no known way to destroy forever chemicals.
We usually associate the word 'forever' with something we like which goes on and on. However, in the case of forever chemicals, the case is quite the opposite. There is little to enjoy about these chemicals.
What are forever chemicals? The term 'forever chemicals' refers to the man-made chemicals that keep our cooking pans stick-free, our carpets stain repellent and our athletic gear water repellent. These chemicals are also used in the product Scotchguard, fire fighting foams and microwave popcorn bags. These certain chemicals do not break down nor do they don't break apart in sunlight or heat-they linger in our bodies forever and there is no known way to destroy them. Forever chemicals are resistant to water, oil and heat.
These chemicals are detectable in the blood of almost everyone as they do not metabolise well and therefore accumulate in our bodies. Consequently, this has become a public health issue. Health issues linked to forever chemicals are: -increased levels of cholesterol -altered levels of sex and thyroid hormones -reduced kidney function -altered immune response -later age for commencement of menstruation -average of two years earlier for commencement of menopause
However, while these changes to body functions do occur, the changes are generally not great enough to take the relative readings outside of the normal range.
In Australia, the forever chemical group commonly known as PFAS gains most attention. PFAS, per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, have been used since the 1950's and are found in the environment, mainly in sediment and concentrations in waterways. Polar bears in the Arctic have PFAS in their blood. No surprise, there has been much debate over their use in the firefighting foams used in airports, military bases and industrial areas. In addition, PFAS appear in non-stick cookware and Scotchguard, a stain repellent spray used on furniture, clothing, shoes and car interiors.
The most commonly known PFAS are perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Perflourohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is also a member of the PFAS group and is the chemical present in firefighting foams. PFAS have been referred to as "the next asbestos".
What are we doing in Australia to reduce PFAS contamination risk? In 2004, Australia's Department of Defence stated "the release of PFAS into the environment has become a concern because we've learned these chemicals persist in humans, animals and the environment." The use of PFAS in firefighting foam has now been phased out and replaced with a safer, environmentally friendly product. While Australia, the US and many other countries no longer manufacture forever chemicals, goods containing them are still imported.
The good news is that most countries are now phasing out the use of PFOS and PFOA as their bioaccumulation, environmental toxicity and persistence in the human body is of major concern.
A nutritious diet full of a wide variety of healthy foods, good lifestyle habits and abstinence from contact with products known to contain forever chemicals is our best defence.
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